Sometimes armwrestlers would stand opposite each other at the table and roar like lions, scream like madmen. Why is that? Is that because of emotions, or in order to frighten an enemy?

There are a few reasons. A scream can help generate an energy surge, but also frighten the enemy.

Amongst animals we can often observe similar behavior, cats hissing at each other, dogs growling. But how has this come to be between people? Have we borrowed this from animals, is it atavistic? We used to be wild too, after all…

According to evolutionary psychology, just like the staredown, the scream is an attempt to frighten the rival. Screams, puffing up of chest and other gestures can be observed when animals fight for a female. It’s a show of strength, an attempt to submit the rival. People have more complex ways of fighting for supremacy. Strength often plays a secondary role, for example – a school chancellor earns their post by means of knowledge and scholarly achievements – strength would earn nothing here. But in combat and strength sports, methods like those work really well and have a major influence on the outcome of a fight.

How should one deal with screamers at the table?

There are a few ways. One is to respond in like, scream back at them. Another is to ignore them, just don’t stoop to their level.

Who’s susceptible to screams, and who is immune to them?

The immune person is the one who knows they are strong enough to beat their rival. And I don’t mean being cocky, I mean distance and self-control.

Our interviewee is Tomasz Folusz, psychologist, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, addiction therapist. He taught seminars in sports psychology, relaxation and motivation of contestants. He worked with several chess players.

www.psycho-terapeuta.warszawa.pl

Iza Małkowska